Hendrick Motorsports

Hendrick Motorsports news, rumors and injuries

Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick said Wednesday, Aug. 6, that Nationwide Series phenom Chase Elliott likely will run in a few Sprint Cup Series races in 2015. "We haven't arrived at that decision for sure, but I think you'll probably see him run a few races next year," Hendrick said. "Before he ever won a Nationwide race, I watched him test (Jimmie Johnson's) car and (Jeff Gordon's) car at Nashville, and Jimmie and Jeff both commented to me, 'This kid is super smooth and super fast. He takes care of his equipment, and he doesn't get in a jam'."

Hendrick Motorsports driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished 10th at the Camping World RV Sales 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway this past weekend, and he clinched a spot in the 2014 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. However, he is still not satisfied with just finishing well. "We are going to have to come back here and run better than that to have a shot in the Chase. We will keep working. Tenth place I'm really disappointed, but I remember we used to like these," Earnhardt said.

Hendrick Motorsports driver Jimmie Johnson shredded two different left-rear tires in the first 11 laps this past weekend in the Camping World RV Sales 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Johnson has endured at least seven races marred by tire issues since the second-to-last race at Phoenix last season.

Fantasy Tip: When Johnson has solved his tire issues this season, he is obviously the man to beat at most tracks. However, fantasy owners in salary-cap leagues have been left with a bad taste in their mouth when tire issues have reared their ugly head. It seems the issues have cropped up at flat tracks more, i.e. New Hampshire, Phoenix, Pocono, for the No. 48 team. If you're in a fantasy league which limits amount of starts per driver, consider avoiding J.J. at flats.

Hendrick Motorsports announced Tuesday, June 17, that driver Jeff Gordon will have Panasonic as his primary sponsor in the Toyota Save-Mart 350 at Sonoma Sunday, June 22, and for this year's race in September in Atlanta. The electronics company will be the primary sponsor for the No. 24 car in select races through the 2016 season.

Fantasy Tip: With Gordon getting a new, high-profile sponsor, it puts to rest any idea that Gordon will be retiring anytime soon.

Hendrick Motorsports driver Kasey Kahne and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Kyle Busch got mixed up at Pocono last weekend, and while Busch attempted to send an e-mail and text, Busch says he is not interested. "I think he was having a bad day, and just loses it. But as far as us talking, we haven't. He did write me an e-mail, but I don't really care anymore," Kahne said. "I don't care to talk to him or anything."

Fantasy Tip: Kahne and Busch will be a tandem to watch Sunday at Michigan if they get into close proximity. While the two are two smart to intentionally wreck each other, they could race each other hard again and accidents will happen.

Hendrick Motorsports driver Jimmie Johnson was the fastest car in the final practice Saturday, May 31, at Dover International Speedway, running at a speed of 158.863 mph. He will start fourth in the FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks.

Fantasy Tip: Johnson has grabbed eight checkered flags at the Monster Mile, while no other active driver has more than four wins at the Delaware circuit. Johnson is an obvious must-start in all fantasy leagues whenever the Sprint Cup Series stops in Dover.

Hendrick Motorsports driver Jimmie Johnson heads to Dover International Speedway looking to maintain his dominance at the track. He leads all active drivers with eight victories in 24 career starts, and he has 12 Top 5 finishes and 17 Top 10s. He has an Average Finish of 8.67.

Fantasy Tip: Johnson is coming off his first win of the season, and he could very well make it back-to-back. No other active driver has more than four wins at Dover, so Johnson will be the odds-on favorite to take checkers. Fantasy owners have to love that.

Hendrick Motorsports driver Jeff Gordon feels rejuvenated after his win this past weekend at Kansas Speedway. It was his 89th career Sprint Cup Series win, third-most in history. The four-time champion has gone winless for a season just three times in his career. "I just feel so competitive out there," Gordon said. "And that makes me feel young again."

Hendrick Motorsports driver Jeff Gordon posted his first Sprint Cup Series victory of the season Saturday, May 10, at the 5-Hour Energy 400 at Kansas Speedway. He is the ninth different winner in 2014, and effectively clinches a berth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Hendrick Motorsports driver Kasey Kahne's crew chief, Kenny Francis, was fined $25,000 Tuesday, May 6, for rules violations during qualifying for the Sprint Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway last weekend. Kahne's car failed the minimum weight requirement and was forced to start in the back of the field.

Fantasy Tip: If you're in a fantasy league which restricts the number of times you can use a driver, Dale Jr. might be best used another weekend. However, Gordon has been performing well lately, and Johnson is certainly due. Both are must-start fantasy options, and Kahne is a nice sleeper as well.

Fantasy Tip: The six-time series champ is a must-start fantasy option in all formats this weekend, as he leads all active drivers with a 7.5 Average Finish at Kansas. That includes two wins, six Top 5s, 13 Top 10s and 14 Top 20s in 15 career starts with just one DNF. He has also started on the pole three times, tied with teammate Kasey Kahne for the most among active drivers.